GENERAL ELECTIONS

Southland Times, Issue 17763, 23 September 1914, Page 5

GENERAL ELECTIONS

TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER. V STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. (Per United Press Association.) WERRIXGTON, September ZZ. In the House of Representatives this afternoon the Premier said that the. matter of the elections had been the subject of a conference between himself and the Reader of the. Opposition, and afterwards between them and some of l lie leading members of their parties, but they had not. been able to arrive at a decision that was unanimous because the matter was so difficult. One of the greatest difficulties was that there was no precedent for postponing the elecFrom a democratic point of view the position was that every three years the people .should have, the right U> select their representatives in Parliament, and in his opinion no selfrespecting Government could retain office for a longer period than the term for which Parliament was elected. He had taken the opinion of those in the best position to Judge of affairs in Europe during the next few months and there was a general feeling that during Hie winter it would be impossible to carry on hostilities, so that when the elections were proceeding in this country no lighting would be proceeding, Moreover, a great change had come over the face of the war during th'* past few weeks, and there was no doubt ns to the ultimate issue. Every one was fully decided thal the war was to he carried to a successful conclusion and lie, therefore, was of opinion that the elections should be field about the usual time. It was not possible to fix Hie exact date at this juncture, but it would probably he early in December. .Sir Joseph Ward said that he was strongly opposed to the elections taking plaei; this year. In his opinion New Zealand should lie kept outside the effects of party nr political strife. A general election even in normal circumstances meant dislocation of commerce. and it was unfair to add troubles during war time. 11 was entirely beside the question as to whether the eb-etions would bo favourable to one party or another. There was a big Imperial issue before them and the elections should lie deferred until .March next. He realised that there were difficulties before ibe Premier ami that nothing hut insuperable difficulties would justify the extension of the elections. but he wished to make, plain that he. disclaimed all responsibility in the matter. It was obnoxious to him to have the elections this year as it would mean Idling loose the war dogs of local politics. He believed that there would he a victory of the Allies, but they could not stint their eyes to Hie inevitable great loss of blood and treasure. There was something to be considered more than who should rule in New Zealand. He had no fear so far as his party was concern-d. hut he would rather be the Reader of a defeated parly than one who could claim a one man victory. Replying to Sir Joseph Ward the Hon. Mr Massey combated the idea of lidding the elections during the month of March as being one of the busiest months in the year. lie further said that iiis party was liable to the accusation of holding on to their seats if the elections were put off. Sir Joseph Ward replied Hint wbe.n the Opposition was unanimous in its desire to have Hie elections put off that argument woti'd be take.n out of the mouths of critics of the Government. BUSINESS <il - ' THE SESSION. The Premier moved that on and after Wednesday next and for Hie rest of the session Government business take precedence on Wednesdays. Sir Joseph Ward asked the Premier to state what business lie proposed to go on with. Replying, the Premier said thal he would not cut out any Rill that had reached the third Binding stage. H was not possible to close tin; session in a fortnight. The Education Rill would in itself take several days, while, the Rogislative Oouneil Poll could not be dropped as it had passed the other Gbaniber. arid The Parliamentary Grants and Conk Islands Bills were non-party Rills ami should be gone on with.